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Private equity investors target football

Football is increasingly seen as an investment opportunity: Changing investment landscape

There has been an influx of private equity which drives up prices. Examples of US private equity investors buying into European clubs include Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan (Swansea City), John Henry (Liverpool), Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (Crystal Palace), The Tornante Company (Portsmouth), Joe DaGrosa (Bordeaux), and James Pallotta (AS Roma).

This might lead to a focus on short-term returns and exits increasing instability at clubs.

Kieran Maguire of the PriceofFootball commented, 'Football is being seen more and more as an opportunity to make money. That trend is likely to accelerate over the next few years. If only ‘investors’ could reduce or eliminate relegation they could lock in profits...'

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